I am a fan of the Hitman video games, so I went to this movie with a bit of trepidation. Far too often videogames turned into movies are a let down. Either they ignore the source, or they fail to expand on it. In increasingly rare numbers we see glimmers of all the right things, and this movie gives us just that.
Prior to seeing the movie I questioned whether Mr. Timothy Olyphant could pull off the role. While his work in Live Free or Die Hard was quite good (I own the DVD – the uncut version is barely different than the official theatrical version) it was not outstanding. Any of his other work was not really memorable so I wasn’t sure what to expect. Happily he hits the mark in the movie, being stolid and rigid as the nature of his character demands him to be.
In fact the 3 most funny and memorable no-action events in the movie works because of his detachment to everything but his work. But there are a couple of glimmers of humor and bewilderment in his eyes in those scenes as well, giving us a clue that more is going on inside #47 and that he is in fact human. And every geek in the world will understand the awkwardness that #47 feels in certain situations (actually I’m sure every guy can relate to it at some point in their lives).
The action of the film is well paced. There are plenty of scenes where the number of bullets flying could equal any Rambo film, well maybe not a full film but you get the point. The best thing about the action is that like the video game, and unlike most films of this nature, it’s well rooted in reality. A shot from a handgun doesn’t send a bad guy flying 15 feet, explosions affect everything in the area of the blast, and the main character knows he’s not bulletproof no matter how good he is.
And it’s not just a shoot’em up film. There is a reason for every shot, and where it lands. Nothing #47 does is without reason. He is as sharp in his planning as the creases in his clothing. And he knows how to get physical when bullets just won’t do.
The female lead, Ms. Olga Kurylenko, is fun and slutty as the character demands. I think she pulls off perhaps the best line of the movie (I will tell you it happens in the car with #47). While she doesn’t have a lot to do, beyond be a temptress and drive me nuts about the implication of her tattoo, she does hold up her part of her scenes.
For those that are considering letting younger kids see the film, beware even though there is no sex scenes. In fact there is no sex in the film, which is a nice break from the usual trend in this genre. Actually you may find yourself watching and hoping it doesn’t happen. Though that could be me, because I think Ms. Kurylenko seriously needs to “eat a couple of Big Macs” as a good friend likes to say. You really notice it in a couple of scenes where there is frontal nudity.
Overall the film is an example of precision in action. It’s logical, purposeful, and filled with action. There isn’t a lot of dialogue, and the action is big. Will it win an Oscar? NO. Will it be noted as a great film? No. But will you enjoy getting caught up in the film and following #47, absolutely. Perhaps the main complaint I have is that the Ave Maria (sung wonderfully by Christina England Hale) we hear in the trailers is not in the film beyond the opening scenes. I love that song and its tempo is perfect for the film, but at least it’s in there.
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